University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Men's Cross Country

DiGiacomo previously served as the teams assistant coach for six seasons, dating back to 2010.  During his tenure as assistant coach, Rich proved to be a valuable contributor to the success of the program through his knowledge of the sport and the university.  Under his guidance as assistant coach, the Devils womens XC team competed in the NCAA Division II East Regional in each of his first five seasons, while the mens team participated in the 2010 and 2014 regionals.  Richs time at USciences began as a freshman student athlete in the fall of 2004, while he pursued a degree in Physical Therapy as a member of the Devils mens XC team.  Richs role on the team peaked during his senior season in 2007 when he served as the teams captain.  He crowned his academic accomplishments upon graduating from USciences in 2010 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  Shortly after graduating, DiGiacomo assumed the role as the Devils XC program assistant coach for the start of the 2010 fall seasons.  His burning desire to run had not ceased after his NCAA career was through, as he began to compete post collegiately in local cross country meets, road races, and track and field for the Greater Philadelphia Track Club.  Richs persistence to remain competitive would prove as an invaluable compliment to his coaching over the next five years.   DiGiacomos outlook to coaching cross country is deep-rooted in scientific methodology.  Being a Doctor of Physical Therapy, as well as being certified as a Level 1 Certified Track Coach by USA Track and Field, and a Certified Endurance Coach by US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, Rich is able to fluidly transfer his scientific knowledge to his athletes for their benefit of their performances on the course.    Asides from his coaching duties at USciences, DiGiacomo remains fully immersed in the West Philadelphia neighborhoods serving as a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital.   Throughout his tenure at Mercy, he has also been the lead clinical instructor for the Mercy Physical Therapy Clinic for the Uninsured/Underinsured, involving bi-weekly clinic nights for hands on patient experience for USciences and Arcadia University PT students.  Most recently, Rich was elected to represent the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association as a State Delegate for the 2015-2016 terms.  Richs zeal for teaching and running endures to a point where he may often be seen leading packs of runners around Philadelphia in his role as tour guide for City Running Tours.  His journeys through physical therapy, athletics, and teaching has also included a fervent involvement in volunteering with local handicapped sports organizations, including Magee Wheelchair Sports and Life Rolls On.